Both in our public affairs work and through our support of the UPP Foundation – an independent grant-giving charity established by UPP in 2016 – we seek to help the higher education (HE) sector overcome a variety of issues it currently faces.
UPP typically donates 3% of the net cash it generates to the UPP Foundation, to help it support the HE sector – by helping to increase access and retention, improve student employability, enhance civic universities and develop global citizens.
The UPP Foundation issues grants to universities, charities and wider sector organisations and provides a public policy platform for sector leaders, experts and the public to debate the future of higher education.
It funded a series of projects on student mental health. These included the University Mental Health Charter, an initiative led by Student Minds – funded by the UPP Foundation and partners with the Department for Education, Office for Students, Universities UK, National Union of Students.
It also established the year-long Civic University Commission, Chaired by Lord Kerslake. The Commission’s final report recommended that universities develop civic university agreements, co-signed by local civic partners. Over 60 UK Vice-Chancellors have pledged to create a CUA.